LAKE CITY — Opportunity Living will host a Special Olympic Iowa Challenge Day from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at Opportunity Acres in Lake City. Activities start at 8:30 a.m. with the parade of athletes and will conclude mid-afternoon with the awarding of ribbons and a Gold Medal Challenge Day Award. There will be special entertainment for the day.

Challenge Days introduce team sports adapted for the severe and profound as well as those who are unable to participate in the traditional Special Olympics programs. Each athlete has a volunteer partner who assists the athlete throughout the day’s activity. Sports, such as ball darts, balloon volleyball, dice bowling, ramp bowling, tennis, Frisbee and wheelchair basketball are modified to allow youth and adults to participate in a team or as an individual. These activities use adaptive equipment to meet the special needs of the participants and are designed to enhance their motor skills and build self-esteem. Video games and crafts are also available.

Volunteers are an essential part in order for this event to be a positive, rewarding experience for the athletes. There are many volunteer opportunities available for Challenge Day. If you would like to volunteer, please call Barb Sommerfeld at (712) 464-8961 or email scorey-patterson@opportunityliving.org. The publicwelcome to attend and experience the excitement and joy of a Special Olympics Challenge Day.